Cove Sanchez Review

I won’t waste your time with the cliché statements that seem to be so easy to make when talking about Cove’s choice of names for their frames.  The bottom line is that the Cove Sanchez does enjoy getting as dirty as a frothy walrus…

The Build:

I built this Sanchez up using most of the standard parts spec straight from Cove.  Here’s the list of included components:

• Frame – Cove Sanchez (one size fits all)
• Fork – Rock Shox Argyle 302
• Wheels – Cove custom (Sun Singletracks laced to Cove front hub & Shimano rear hub)
• Tires – Intense Microknobby 2 *not part of stock kit*
• Cranks – Truvativ Stylo
• Pedals – Easton Flatboys *not part of stock kit*
• Handlebars – Truvativ Holzfeller
• Stem – Truvativ Hussfelt 40mm
• Headset – FSA Pig
• Saddle – WTB Jackson V
• Seatpost – Cove 2 bolt
• Brake – Avid Jucy 7 160mm
• Grips – Lizardskins Northshore Lock Ons

This is a solid build that has withstood many days of abuse at Ray’s over the winter and  BMX Track beatings this spring.  Honestly I wouldn’t change a thing about this build, it felt perfect.

Geometry/Feel:

The geo of the Sanchez is a bit oldschool when compared to the newest trends.  Namely, longer chainstays and a slacker headangle than most of the most popular dirt jumpers out there. Don’t let this sway you from buying this frame though as there are some benefits to the relaxed geo.  Before I talk about that I’ll let you take a look at the numbers courtesy of Cove Bike’s Website.

Now, the thing I like about the geometry of the Sanchez is that it always seems to feel stable especially at higher speeds.  It’s not sluggish by any means, it just gives you the feeling that it’s not going to let you down if things get squirrely.  Sure it’s initially harder to manual than some of the sub 16″ chainstay bike out there but once you get the feel of it you’re out there unicycling with the best of them.  The bike feels amazing on the big jumps and a bit less amazing in the skatepark due to it’s longish wheelbase and slack head angle.  On the BMX/4X track it’s a ripper.  Fast out of the gate and thanks to the cromoly frame, smooth and quiet.

Fit & Finish:

I’m not sure there’s a more eye catching color than the pearl orange that this frame was painted in.  Take it out in the sun and you’ll find yourself mesmerized staring at the pearlescent paint.  The welds are as tidy as I’ve seen and the overall aesthetics are that of a proper steel hardtail.  I love the way this bike looks and I was stoked to get out and show it off any opportunity I had.

Nitpicks:

No frame is perfect, the Sanchez does have one shortcoming that may bother some, it’s fairly heavy.  Tipping the MTBGearTech scale at 6.98 pounds it’s no featherweight.  With a final build coming in at 29.2 pounds I didn’t really mind the heft unless I was really forcing some distance out of a jump to clear the lip of the landing or when I was attempting spinning tricks.  One things for sure though, with a frame this burly it will last you a good long time.

Final Score:

Gallery:

Video Featuring the Cove Sanchez:

Related posts:

1. Cove STD Long Term Review
2. North Shore Billet’s Cove Shocker & Cove STD Modified Dropout Set
3. Banshee Spitfire Initial Review